AP Spanish Language and Culture A&B

Semester A

AP Spanish Language and Culture – Semester A includes six (6) modules, with ten (10) lessons per module. This course develops advanced language proficiency and intercultural competence in preparation for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam.

Aligned with the College Board AP Spanish Language and Culture Curriculum Framework and the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, the course strengthens interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students engage with authentic, college-level materials such as podcasts, news reports, interviews, essays, speeches, and literary excerpts from across the Spanish-speaking world.

Instruction is organized around the six AP course themes: Familia, Identidad y propósito, Ciencia y tecnología, Huella tecnológica, Vida contemporánea, and Caminos modernos. Through these themes, students analyze diverse perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and present well-developed arguments in spoken and written Spanish. Emphasis is placed on communicating effectively in multiple time frames, using advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.

By the end of Semester A, students will be prepared to interpret authentic texts, engage in analytical discussion, and demonstrate the linguistic and cultural proficiency expected of an AP-level Spanish course.

Semester B

AP Spanish Language and Culture – Semester B includes six (6) additional modules that extend and refine the advanced language skills developed in Semester A. This semester emphasizes mastery, independence, and sustained academic performance in preparation for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. Aligned with the College Board AP Spanish Language and Culture Curriculum Framework and the ACTFL World-Readiness Standards, students engage with increasingly complex authentic written and audiovisual texts. They interpret nuanced perspectives, participate in extended interpersonal discussions, and produce sophisticated presentational writing and speaking tasks.

Instruction is organized around the themes: Identidades, Huellas de identidad, Belleza y estética, Estética en contexto, Desafíos globales, and Soluciones globales. Through these themes, students examine identity formation, aesthetic expression, and global challenges while strengthening their ability to compare cultures and synthesize information across multiple sources with precision and depth.

Semester B emphasizes advanced analysis, cultural comparison, persuasive argumentation, and cohesive organization of ideas. Students demonstrate refined grammatical control, precise vocabulary usage, improved pronunciation, and sustained fluency consistent with the Advanced proficiency range.

By the end of Semester B, students will demonstrate readiness to perform confidently and independently on the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam.

Grade Level

10 – 12

Materials

Basic school supplies
Access to authentic audio, video, and text sources
Audio/video recording tools

Semester A:
La Casa en Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
ISBN: 1644734281

Semester B:
Senderos fronterizos by Francisco Jimenez
ISBN: 0618226184

Cajas de cartón by Francisco Jimenez
ISBN: 0618226168

AP Spanish Language & Culture Premium Prep (Optional):
(pre-order only, available 12/1/2026)
ISBN: 0593518276

Duration

2 Semesters

Credit Value

1.0

Prerequisites

Spanish 1, Spanish 2, and Spanish 3 (or equivalent proficiency)

Technology Skills (special)

Ability to research using reliable online sources

Use of audio and video recording software for interpersonal and presentational tasks

Ability to create multimedia presentations

Use of word-processing tools for formal writing